Which Historic King Are You?

By: Raj Chander

6 Min Quiz

Image: assalve/E+/Getty Images

About This Quiz

When most people think of "kings" today, characters from a popular HBO show might be the first thing that comes to mind. What not everyone realizes is that once upon a time, the characteristics of real-world kings decided the fate of millions of people. Early emperors of classical civilizations like the Mayans and Aztecs were ruthless warrior-kings who were considered deities and took part in the sacrifices of humans and animals.

It could be argued that ancient Rome set the standard for legendary kings, although they were known as emperors after 27 BC. Men like Julius Caesar and Augustus oversaw great periods of success that involved the expansion and strengthening of Rome through military might and political skill. After Rome's fall, the collective reputation of kings was somewhat sullied by rulers of the Middle Ages like Henry VI, who suffered a series of mental breakdowns that left him unresponsive for months on end, or George III, who was described as "the mad king who lost America."

If you've ever been curious about which historic ruler's personality best aligns with yours, answer these questions and we will match you with a famous king. This way, your majesty: the throne awaits!

As a king, how often would you want to invade other kingdoms?

All the time – my empire needs to be the biggest one ever.

I'm more of a lover than a fighter – I'd only invade if I had to.
I don't need to invade other places to boost my ego.

I'd never not be invading; it's the backbone of my ruling style.

What would be your favorite privilege as king?

Having as many lovers as I want.

Learning from the best teachers.
Being viewed as a deity.

Executing my enemies.

If you were king, would you take advantage of the romantic benefits?

Not that much

When I felt like it, but I'd have other things going on too.
I'd be more focused on conquering new land.

Heck, yeah!

Kings throughout history have had many interesting rides. How would you most prefer to get around?

I'm not fancy, I'd just walk.

I'd have my servants carry me.
I would ride a fierce steed.

I'd be pulled by an elaborate chariot.

How would you handle someone in your court disobeying you?

I'd have them executed.

I'd listen carefully and consider their argument.
I'd have them removed from the court.

I'd listen to them but ultimately do things my way.

Being a king also means being a diplomat. How would you negotiate with other kingdoms?

Through intelligence and skill

I'd try to win them with sex and food.
Appealing to reason

Intimidating them

What would be the most important element of your kingdom?

Spreading prosperity and wisdom

Having the most impressive military
Keeping subjects in line with fear

Making sure I'm personally spoiled.

What would you want to be your legacy as king after you die?

I want to go down as the best-looking king.

I want to be the most feared.
I want to be the wisest, most beloved.

I want to be the king with the biggest empire.

Would you want to have children to take the throne once you are gone?

Yes, but I'm more concerned about spreading my empire now.

It's not a big deal either way.
Yes, but mostly because it's the tradition.

It's the most important part of being a king.

Kings have access to some of the best teachers around. What kind of private mentor would you want?

A philosopher

An entertainer
A coach

A war strategist

Which of these countries would you most want to live in?

China

Italy
England

Greece

All kings have their weaknesses. What would you describe as your biggest character flaw?

I'm not as wise as I want to be.

I can be a little harsh.
I think a little too highly of myself.

I'm a bit lazy.

Let's say there was a rebellion in your kingdom. How would you handle it?

Throwing the leader in prison and threatening others who may be thinking about a revolt

Sending my advisors to deal with it
Calling a meeting with the rebel leader to understand their concerns

Killing all the rebels and every member of their families

Some kings are also skilled war tacticians. How confident are you in your military abilities as king?

I would be one of the strongest military kings ever.

I'd rather be known for leading my kingdom to prosperity.
I'll leave that to my royal court.

I would be extremely skilled in battle.

Not all kings appreciated the arts. How much would you support things like painting and literature in your kingdom?

If it was interesting to me, I'd be fine with it.

After military might, these things would get my full attention.
I'm more concerned with conquering.

It's very important to have an educated kingdom.

How would you handle it if the people you conquered didn't want to submit to your rule?

Hosting a philosophical debate to convince them of why I'd be the best king

Murdering them all
Throwing them in prison

Keeping them as slaves

Which of these famous historical empires is your favorite?

The Mongols

Rome
Great Britain

Greece

Kings got to attend some great banquets and feasts. What would be your attitude about parties?

My kingdom would throw the best ones.

Every once in a while they are OK.
I enjoy them when the time is right.

They are fine for my subjects, but I'm not a big partier.

What kind of weapon would soldiers in your army use?

Philosophy

Spear
Bow and arrow

Sword

Every king has their group of advisors. How closely would you listen to your royal court?

I'd definitely listen to what they have to say.

I might listen, but ultimately I'd do whatever I wanted.
They would play a significant role in my decision-making.

I would hear them, but ultimately make my own decisions.

Let's say you needed to convince your subjects of a new policy. How would you go about doing so?

Writing long essays about why it's right

Killing anyone who didn't agree
Having my advisors spread the word about why it's important

Staging an elaborate display of power and regality to make my announcement

Do you think it is OK for kings to use violence to enforce their rule?

Yes, but I'll leave that to the executioner.

All the time
No, they should stick with the rule of law.

Only if it's absolutely necessary – it's better for a king not to need to resort to that.

As a king, what would be your attitude towards trade with other kingdoms?

I'd use connections and charm to get good deals.

I'd attempt to use my military power to influence trades.
I would use reason and calm debate to work out trades.

I'd intimidate trade partners with sheer strength.

Many kings had to figure out a way to coexist with the church in their kingdom. How would you handle religious authority?

I would try to get them to support me as king.

Getting rid of them as quickly as possible.
I'd support them if they supported me.

I would use it as a way to enforce loyalty.

How important is philosophy to you as a king?

I make sure my kingdom has smart philosophers.

I would be a philosopher king myself.
It wouldn't matter that much.

I would have the greatest philosophers mentor me privately.

Many leaders throughout history have written about their experiences. Would you write a book about being king?

I'd have a ghostwriter do it for me.

No, I'll let my conquests speak for me.
It would probably be more of a journal, but I'd definitely keep a record.

Yes, at least one, if not more.

How important would it be for people to know that you are king?

They would know naturally by looking at me.

Extremely important – everyone should honor me.
It doesn't really matter that much.

Very important – they should respect my power.

Many monarchs inherit the throne. How much of an impact would your parents have on your ruling style?

A bit, but I'd mostly blaze my own trail.

Not that big of an influence – I do my own thing.
I'd listen to them and try to improve on their accomplishments.

They'd have a huge influence, and I would want to surpass them.

A lot of kings come to power when they are just children. Would you want to be a child king?

Sure – the more time I get in power, the better.

As long as I had the proper parental support
I would rather become trained as a warrior while young.

Yes, it would help me expand my conquests.

What would you want to be named after you as king?

A city

A child
A branch of philosophy

A country

6 Minute Quiz 6 Min

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